Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1

Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1 is centered around the story of its bold and vivacious protagonist, Benio “Haikara-san” Hanamura. The widely acclaimed voice actress Asami Seto perfectly embodies the echos of Benio’s bountiful personality whilst weaving her own creative magic into the character. Kazuya Nakai, another admired voice actor, lends his voice to the dashing, traditional, and somewhat restrained hero Shinobu Ijuin. Together, these two incredibly talented actors bring life to a captivating love story set in the colorful backdrop of Tokyo in the early 20th century.

Commissioned as meticulous animation by Nippon Animation and directed by acclaimed anime director Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1 is more than just a straightforward love story. It breaks conventions and serves as an empowering narrative in the midst of a deeply traditional society, intending to rustle some feathers with a protagonist who throws caution to the wind.

Benio “Haikara-san” Hanamura, the protagonist, obliviates the conventional norms and expectations for women prevailing in her society. As a young girl growing up in the Taisho era, when most women are being groomed to become ideal wives and uphold the moral fabric of society, Benio challenges these established roles. She is in love with her vivacity—she drinks sake, engages in kendo, and is not afraid to voice her bold perspectives. Rooted in her strong notion of women’s rights, she stands as a beacon of feminism and blatantly expresses her opposition to the idea of arranged marriages.

However, far from her expectations, her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a Lieutenant in the Imperial Japan's army. The sudden and transformative nature of these events lead Benio to question her previous convictions about love, relationships, and freedom.

The character of Shinobu Ijuin, voiced by Kazuya Nakai, is the perfect foil to Benio. An epitome of Japanese traditions, discipline, and sophistication, he serves in the army and bears the weight of familial expectations and responsibility. His character finely balances sincerity and restraint, drawing a stark contrast to the lively and outspoken character of Benio, which further adds depth to their relationship.

The brilliance of Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1 lies in its balanced infusion of comedy, romance, and drama. While there’s plenty of humor to keep audiences entertained, the film doesn’t shy away from taking a deep dive into real, emotional moments that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. The sparkling chemistry between the lead roles, the changing dynamics of their relationship, and the enthralling narrative make the film an entertaining watch.

The societal discourses the movie tackles are relevant, making Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1 so much more than only a tale of romance and comedy. The narrative questions societal norms and the preconceived ideas of gender roles. Benio's character is designed to challenge and bridge cultural, societal, and gender disparities in a light-hearted, yet profound manner.

The animation quality adds an extra layer of charm to the movie. Its visual appeal, vibrant color palette, and meticulous attention to detail replicating the Taisho era make it a feast for the eyes, further drawing viewers into the world the characters inhabit.

Moving and thought-provoking, Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Part 1 is recommended not only for anime enthusiasts but also for anyone who enjoys a good story about an independent woman who defies societal norms while discovering what love truly means.